The University of Auckland has once again confirmed its position as Australasia’s leading university for commercialising research and creating impact, topping the Survey of Commercialisation Outcomes from Public Research (SCOPR) 2024 for the number of active spinout companies.
According to the latest SCOPR results, the University of Auckland held equity in 45 active start-up and spinout companies, the highest of any Australasian university or research organisation. This marks the third consecutive year the University has led this key measure of research translation and innovation impact.
“This achievement reflects not only the strength and diversity of research at the University of Auckland but also the deep partnerships, commercial expertise and entrepreneurial ecosystem that turn world-class ideas into world-changing ventures,” said Will Charles, Executive Director – Investments, UniServices, the University’s technology transfer company. “These spinouts create high-value jobs, attract investment, and deliver real benefits to society.”
Top ten institutions for active start-up and spinout companies 2024-2022
Strong commercialisation performance
UniServices and University of Auckland performed strongly in other key SCOPR indicators:
- No. 2 in invention disclosures received (176) – the highest of any New Zealand institution
- #6 in active patent families held (287)
- #6 in total equity value in spinouts ($43.25 million NZD)
- Top 10 in new start-up and spinout companies incorporated in 2024 (3 new ventures)
A thriving innovation ecosystem
The University’s commercialisation strength spans deep tech, health innovation, clean energy, AI and advanced manufacturing. Spinout successes include companies like Alimetry, Avasa, Zenno Astronautics, Kitea Health, StretchSense and more, which have gone on to secure international investment and global partnerships.
“Leading SCOPR once again demonstrates that New Zealand’s universities can compete on the global innovation stage,” says Dr Greg Murison, CEO UniServices/Pro-Vice Chancellor Innovation and Enterprise at the University of Auckland. “It reflects our commitment to translating research excellence into tangible economic, environmental and social outcomes.”
About SCOPR
The Survey of Commercialisation Outcomes from Public Research (SCOPR) is conducted annually by Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia (KCA) and provides the most comprehensive annual snapshot of commercialisation activity across Australian and New Zealand universities, medical research institutes, and public research agencies. It benchmarks key measures including invention disclosures, patents, start-ups, spinouts and equity value.